A corpora



w. H. DAY

INDEX 0R FILE LEAF April 24, 1928. 1,667,538

7 Filed Jan.l1, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I 7 Jyvucm f or,

I 10 W )6 I9 631mm,

A ril 24. 1928.

2 Sheets- Sheet 2 Filed Jan.1l, 1924 wan,nnnnuuu-ul Patented Apr. 24, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM H. DAY, OF EAST HAVEN, CONNECTICUT ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MENTS, IOREMING'ION RAND INC QF TONAWANDA, NEW YORK, A GORIPORA 'rlon' or DELAWARE.

INDEX 0R FILE LEAF.

Application filed January 11, 1924. Serial No. 885,574.-

My invention relates to indexes or files, and more particularly to a device of this character in which a leaf or'carrier is employed to carry or, support a plurality of cards containing reference data. In the particular embodimentshown, a plurality of individually moving supporting members or carriers are used to support cards and are of the general type shown in the patent to Robert D. Hayes, No. 1,223,168, dated April 17, 1 917. The present invention, in some aspects,.inay be considered as an improvement upon the structliire shown in that patent. i

One of the principal. difficulties encoun-.

tered. when attempting to improve upon de vices of this character, that in order to lllUIQZlSG the range of usefulness of such a device, more parts are usually required,-the addition of which tends to increase the cost of manufacture, the labor necessary to assemble the parts, and the weight of the entire device. It has been foi'indthat when card-carriers or leaves of the character under consideration are in use, the constant Ina-- nipulation of the same in order to gain access to the cards for reference, causes the outer edges of the cards tobecome worn or soiled and the corners of the same become bent, which either interferes with the usefulness of the device or presents an untidy appearance. In some cases, the edges of the cards of one leaf engage the adjacent leaf, or thecards thereon, or inadvertently are caught in or by the clothing of the user and either become disconnected from the carrier or dislocated upon the carrier.

()ne object of my invention, therefore, is to obviate the disadvantages above referred to, and to provide a means to protect the outer edges of the reference cards.

Another object of my invention is to accomplish these results without appreciably increasing the total weight of the device.

Another object of my invention is to provide means that while protecting the outer edges of the cards, will also be of such construction that the outer edges of each carrying member or leaf will not interfere with an adjacent leaf when the leaves are manipulai'ied.

Another object of my invention is the provision of means for stiffening or re-enforcing the edges of the leaves, particularly the front edges thereof.

Still another object of my invention is to generally improve indexes or files of this character so that the same are economical to manufacture by constructing the same of few parts, and arecomparatively simple to assemble, durable under usageby the average operator, neat in appearance and efficient in operation.

To these and other ends, my invention consists of the novel features and combination of parts to be hereinafter described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 isa front elevational view of an index directory or file, comprising a plurality of leaves embodying my improvements;

No. 2 is a top plan view of the same;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged side elevational view of one of the leaves;

Fig. 3- is a section on line 3 *-3 of Fig. 5;

.Fig. 4 is a view showing index cards in various stages of being removed from the leaf;

F 5 is a section on line 5-5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a section on line 6-6 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a section on line 6 --6 of Fig. 3"

Fig. G is a section on line G -6 of Fig. 4-

Fig. 7 is a section on line 77 of Fig. l-

Fig. 8 is a section on line 8-8 of Fig. l-

Fig. 9 is a section on line 9- 9 of Fig. 3

Fig. 10 is a section online 10.'l.0 of Fig.

Fig. 11 is. an upper corner of a somewhat modified form of leaf;

Fig. 12 is a vertical section through an index tab used with this device; and

Fig. 13 is a side view of the same.

In order to illustrate the principles of my invention, I have shown at 10 a suitable supporting base which carries a pair of at 18. The ends of the wire 14: are bent back and extended rearwardly beyond the plate 17 at 15 and provided with ball-shaped metal such as nickel-silver, or the like.

Balm

members 16, which ride inthe grooves or .slideways 19 in the guiding members 11 and 12. The record cards 20, shown in the drawings, are of the type described in the patent to Irving Fisher, No. 1,048,058 dated December 24, 1912. These cards are provided with integral tongues 21 by whichthc same are slidingly secured to card guide members 22' beneath edge. portions thereof 23. The card guide members 22 are secured upon the plate 17 by means of rivets or eye=- lets 24. Preferably, card guide members 22 are provided on both sidesof the plate 17.

Near-the bottom of the carriers or leaves 13, suitable retainingclips or hooks 25 are secured, to support'from beneath a series of cards mounted upon. the carrier.

The outer edge of the thinplate or sheet 17, if not provided with reentorcing means, would tend to become distorted because of being constructed of soft and-easily bent material and: likewise by careless handling might have a tendency to unwrap from'the upper 'and lower frame portions, which would allow the same to spread apart causing-the device to becomeinoperative as aneficient leaf or index of this character. In order to obviate this tendency a novel onepiece edge covering is provided, as shown at 26, which stiffens the sheet or base plate 17 along the otiter edge and secures the upper and lower frame portions together. The edge covering is also formed in such a manner that the outer edges of the series of cards r on both sides of the leaf are covered and means are provided by which'alab nu mber maybe applied to the leaf.

The edge covering 26 is preferably constructedfrom a relatively stiltnon-oxidizing he top and bottom ends of-the edge covering 26 are shaped into the form of hollow knobs 'or bosses 27, which are provided with suitable openings in one side thereof as at 28, so that the same may be sl1pped.over the -doubled ends 29 (see Fig. 3*) of the wire 14 atthe forward edge of the plate 17. Ears 30 are pressed inwardly from both sides 31 of the knobs 27 and rest against the plate 17, being connected thereto at 32. Between the knobs 27, the edge covering is pressed toget-her to straddle the outer edge of the base raised above the surface of the plate 17 the desired amount, the material is extended inwardly over and parallel to said surface a short distance, as shown at 37. This con struction substantially forms an edge covering, (shaped in cross section. as is clearly shown in Figs. 7 and S. The extremes of the edge covering portions 36 and 37 are not connected to the knobs 27 but are left free therefrom, as shown in 38, so as to provide a passageway for the cards 20 when the same are IGH'IOVQd from the leaf in groups, as at 39, see Figs. 4- and G.

The point of jointurc between the oblique portion 36 and the edge portion 3? of the edge covering is preferably located a snllicientdistance away from the edge portions 23 of the card-guiding members 22 so that individual cards may be removed from the guiding members by disengaging the remote tongue 21, sliding the card toward the outcr edge of the leaf to free the adjacent. tongue 21" beneath the edge portion 23, as shown in Figs. 4-, 7 am 8. The raised parallel portion 37, however, must extend over the leaf and beyond the edges of the cards thereon sufiiciently to cover and protect the. same, as shown in Figs. 3, and 7.

The edge covering 26 is secured to the base-plate 17 at 34-, preferably by means of a series of spaced insets located along the edge and in the ears 31 at 32. These insets are formed by punching the metal, of one side of the edge covering into the surface of the base-plate 17, and forcing the metal of the base-plate at this point into the edge covering at the other side of the base-plate. An indentation 50 is thus 'lormed in the edge covering on one side of the leaf and a. raised portion 51 is formed in the edge covering on the other side. The construction is clearly shown in Figs. 7 and S at and Fig. 10 at An exceptionally strong and rigid connection results. due to the interlocking of the surfaces. Preferably, the insets 34; extending along the edge, alternate. being pressed in from one side and then from the other so that curling or distorting the edge longitudinally prevented. The rivets or eyelets 52, as shown in Fig. ll, may be used in place of insets to secure the parts together if desired.

. The bulged ends or hollow knobs 27 provide the means whereby the adjacent leaves are spaced from each other at the outer edges thereof, as well as to enclose the frame. ends 29, so that when the leaves are swung to and fro the adjacent leaves will not interfere "with each other, nor the flanged or 'aised portions of the edge coverings catch the edges of the adjacent leaves. To eliminate the disturbing clicking noises of metal striking metal, when the knobs contzr't with each other, bumpers 40 made of leather or the like, are provided and located within loo the hollow knobs with a portion 41 protruding from an opening 42 provided there sated so that when the tab is applied to the leaf the raised portion-51 of the inset will guide the tab bemg placedthereon and lock the same againstremoval While lying in the opening 46 after a slight endwise movement of. the tab. The portion 414 of the tab is constructed tostrznldle thennnnber 43 and is open at both sides A flange 4? surrounds the opening on each side of the portion n at three sides thereof under which indicating slps48 maybe slipped and retained.

l/Vhile I have shown and described a preferred embodiment of my invention, it will he understood that the same is not limited thereto in all. of its details but is capable of many modifications and varlatlons which "will fall within the spirit of the invention and the scope ofthe appended claims.

that I claim is: i r 1. In an index or file, a substantially re tangular support for cards or the like, comprising a. relatively thin plate. one side edge and both end edges thereof being reenforccd by a one-piece structure, and means straddling the other side edge and extending the entire length thereof to reenforce the same.

2. In an index or file, asubstantially rectangular support for cardsor the like, comprising a. relatively thin plate, one side edge tangular support] for cards or the like, an

edge covering straddling an edge of said support and having a raised portion presenting an inwardly extending flange at least on one side of said snipport, said flange adapted to cover the edges of cards mounted upon said support said edge covering terminat- .ing at eachend thereof in knobs whereby spacing members are formed to space one support from another. y

, In an index or file,a ')lu1.'ality of swingable leaves having means thereon for sup The tab member 35 isconstructed of two porting reference members, edge coverings for the outer edges of said leaves, each of said edge coverings presenting an inwardly directed flange to protect the edges of the reference members and being provided at each end thereof with knobsintegal therewith to form spacing means between said leaves. i I

5. An. index or file, a swingable leaf hav ing means for carrying reference n'lembers thereon, a covering for one edge of said leaf.

comprising a strip of n'iaterial bent about the surface of the same to form a leaf-grip ping surface. and rising obliquel y away from the surface thereof and then parallel therewith to form a flange to overlie the edges of the reference members carried thereby.

G. In an index or file, a swingable leaf having means for carrying reference members thereon, a covering for one edge of said leaf comprising a strip of material bent about the edge thereof and extending inwardly along both the front and rearsurfaces thereof to form a leafgripping surface, and rising obliquely away from said surfaces to form flanges to protect the edges of the reference members carried by said leaf.

7. In an index or tile, a leaf having means for retaining reference members thereon. a covering for one edge of said leaf comprising a strip of material bent about the edge thereof and extending inwardly along both the front and rear surfaces thereof into a form substantially Y-shaped in cross-section.

8.1a an index or file, av swingable leaf having means for carrying reference members thereon, a covering for the edge of said leaf comprising a strip of material bent about the edge thereof, extending inwardly along the surface of the same to form a leafgripping surface and rising obliquely away from the surface tllGl't-(Yf to form a flange to protect the edges of the reference members carried thereby, the flanged portion of saidedge covering terminating short of the upper and lower ends of said leaf, and the remaining portion extending to the ends of said leaf and formed into knobs to. provide spacing means between adjacent leaves.

9. In an index or file, a leaf of the character described having an edge covering along one of its edges, connprising a strip of material bent about said ed e and overlying the front and rear surfaces thereof, said covering secured to the edge of said leaf by insets spaced at intervals along the surface thereof whereby the material of said leaf and of said covering is interlocked at. the point of inset. said insets alternated along the edge surface by being made first from one side of said leaf and then from the other. a

. 10. In a device of the character described,

theedge thereof extending inwardly along a leaf provided Witlrmeans to retain a plus ralityof reference members in overlapping arrangement thereon, an edge covering for said leaf extending rn'waird-ly beyond the edge of said leaf and with its edges adapted 'to overlle the edges of the referrmcemembers, said edge covering being. spaced from the leaf sutliciently to receive a plurality: of overlapping reference members at the portion of the covering overlying. the same, but the space allowance being uniformly decreased in a direction toivard the edgeof said leaf. i

111 In a device of the character described,

"a lQHfilJI'OVltlGtl with means to retain a plow rality of referenceemcmbers in overlapping arrangement thereon, an edge covering for said leaf extending inwardly beyond the edge: ofsaidleaf and with its edges adapted to overlie-the edges of the reference members, sa id edge covering being spaced from. thel'eaf su'flicientlvto receive a plurality of overlapping reference members at the portion of the covering overlying the same, but

the space allowance being uniformly decreased in a direction toward the edge of said leaf, whereby only sufiicient space is provided for one card at a point adjacent the leaf surface.

12. 131 an index or tile, a leaf providcd with means to retain reference men'ibers thereon, an edge covering for the outer edge of sa leaf adapted to overlie the edges of saidi reference members, means to connect the coveringto the edge of said leaf whereby spacer-l raised portions 7 are presented along said edge, and a tab adapted to hold an-"index slip detachably secured upon the edge of said leaf by engagement with the raised portion of said connecting means.

153. In an index or tile,'a leaf for the purpos described having an edge covering cured theeto by insets, said insets causing Y of said edge covering to be raised at intervals along the edge of said 1 leaf, andfa. tab member detaehably connected' to the edge of said leaf by engagement with eluding a U-shaped portion adapted to straddle said-edgecovering and to engage any one of said raised portions thereof.

In an index or tile, a leaf for the purpose described having an edge covering secured thereto by insets, said insets causing the material of saidedge covering to be raised at intervals along the edge of said leaf, a tab member detachably connected to menses.

rial in the form of a leaf or the like, comprising a strip of material a portion of Winch is bent mto the form of a Y in cross section, the stem of the i composed of a double thickness of n'laterial and ntending beyond the Y-shaped portion at one end thereof and terminating in a hollow knob.

17. An edge covering for a sheet of mate rial in the form of a leaf or the like. comprising strip of material bent into the form of a Y in cross section intermediate its ends, the stem of the i' composed of a double thickness of material adapted to straddle the leaf and extending beyond the Y-shapcd por tion at each end thereof and terminating in hollow knobs.

18. in an index or file, a leaf for the purpose described having an edge covering secured thereto by inset-s, said insets causing the material of said edge covering to lie raised at intervals along the edge of said leaf, one or more of said raised portions of material being on one side of the leaf and the remainder on the other.

19. In an index or file, a leaf for the purpose described, having an edge covering secured thereto by insets, said insets cruising the material of said edge covering to be alternatel raised first on one side and then on the other, at intervals along the edge of said leaf. i

20. in an index or lilo, a support for cards or the like, an edge-covering straddling an edge of said support, said edge-covering terminating at each end thereof in knobs whereby spacing members are formed to spare one or the like, an edge-covcring straddling an edge ofsaid support, said edge-mi roring low minating at each end thereof in knobs whereby spacing members are formed to space one support from another, said knobs being providedavith cushioning means lo ta ted to eontact with the knobs of an adjacent support.

In an index or file, a. substantially rertangular support for cards or the like, an edge-covering straddling an edge of said support, said edge-(wavering terminating at one end thereof in a knob \vhereljiy a spacing member is formed to spacebnc support from another.

23. In an index or file, a leaf for the purpose described, having an edge-covering secured thereto by insets, said insets ensuing the material of said .ei'lge-covering to be ill) ioo

.raise ;l at ,llliJGl'VillS along the edge of said leafyand a tab member adapted to engage said raised portions and be detachably mounted upon the edge of said leaf.

24:. In an index or file, a leaf for the purpose described, having an edge-Cowling seein'ed thereto by interlocked 1JOl'iTl()US oi? each, said portions causing the material oi said edge-eo'vering to be raised at intervals along the edge of said leaf and forming the 10 means whereby a tab member may be detachably retained upon the edge of said leaf at various positions along the same.

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set this 29th day of December, 1923.

my hand \VILLIAM H. DAY. 

